Problems · by component

2012 Ford Escape fuel/propulsion system problems

137 owner complaints to NHTSA about the 2012 Ford Escape cite fuel/propulsion system, 23% of all 604 complaints for this model year.

Complaints
137
23% of all complaints
Crashes
2
Reported by owners
Fires
1
Reported by owners
Injuries
1
Reported by owners
01 —Owner reports

What owners say about the fuel/propulsion system

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
“Gas tank leaking fuel around the joint where the fuel filler hose connects to the tank. It is NOT leaking at the hose connection but is leaking where the fitting connects/enters the tank.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 12, 2025Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11680083
“While coming to a stop sign, as I took my foot off the gas pedal, it surged forward at a fast speed the gas pedal went to the floor. it took me through the intersection and beyond before I was able to stop the car. It was very scary just thinking if there were anyone crossing the street it could have been very bad. Now im afraid to even drive my car not knowing if it will happen again.I call the service and cannot get appt. for 2 weeks. and it will be at my expense.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Dec 4, 2023Engine, Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11558436
“There is something not connecting right when you accelerate from a stopped position. From when you first start the car and begin to drive to slowing down to a complete stop as soon as you begin to accelerate there is almost no going right away when you push down on the pedal. It takes almost 10 seconds or more to even begin to stay with on coming traffic. You have to be at a 3 rpm to even shift to go a little more faster then the speed starts to increase if able. It is available when needed to look over at any point and I dont feel safe driving as theres something not right with the connection to the fuel I believe and it feels like. I have taken it to a local shop and they looked it over and didnt seem to find or see much but they cleaned the air flow meter but that didnt do the trick? Also while driving the car tends to veer to the left with or with no wind. It doesnt like to stay straight while driving and thats also unsafe as the driver your doing everything to stay straight. Have not been inspected by anyone other than the local shop I trust and is family friend. Have never noticed or seen any defective lights come on since I purchased the vehicle. I…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 8, 2021Steering, Vehicle speed control, Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11428243
“12/3/2020 Recall 16S41-Fuel Delivery Module Flange Replacement was performed on vehicle at Ford Dealership. Upon starting the vehicle, I noticed a long crank & engine light was on. Technician advised the issue would resolve itself in a few days. It did not. 12/16/2020 Returned to Ford Dealership for for diagnostic of long crank & engine light. Techs determined there was a defect in the hose. According to them, they replaced the faulty part and issue was fixed. It was not. I was advised again, after some time the issue would be resolved. It was not. 05/5/21 Returned to Ford Dealership for diagnostic & repair of same. Techs advised they replaced a clamp, and that the fuel delivery module installed was defective(again) causing a leak down. They refused liability and advised I needed the fuel pump replaced at my own expense($628). I declined.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 21, 2021Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11425794
“AFTER THE FUEL LINE RECALL WAS REPAIRED IN 2020 THE ENGINE STUTTERS BEFORE IT CRANKS COMPLETELY. I REACHED OUT TO FORD AND THE ONLY THING THEY DID WAS OFFER 20 DOLLARS OFF THE DIAGNOSTIC FEE AT THE DEALERSHIP.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Apr 11, 2021Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11407519
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN RATE OF SPEED, THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE CHECK FUEL INTAKE LID INDICATOR ILLUMINATED INTERMITTENTLY AFTER FILLING THE VEHICLE WITH FUEL. THE CONTACT ASSOCIATED THE FAILURE WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V777000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jan 2, 2020Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11296631

Showing 6 of 137 reports. Read every report on NHTSA.gov.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 3, 2026NHTSA vehicle page

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.